In today's growing eCommerce market, efficient logistics are critical to an online business’s success. eCommerce logistics refers to the processes involved in managing and delivering orders to customers, from the moment an order is placed to the final delivery. With the rise of online shopping, eCommerce businesses face increasing pressure to deliver products quickly and cost-effectively. This is where third-party logistics (3PL) come into play.
3PL logistics providers offer a range of services to help businesses meet the demands of their customers. With eCommerce logistics services, online retailers can focus on other demands of running an online business, reduce operating costs, and improve supply chain efficiency.
In this blog post, we will look closely at some of the 3PL services offered by eCommerce logistics providers, such as warehousing and inventory management, order fulfillment and shipping. In addition, we will look at the benefits of small business logistics and how it can help grow and improve your business.
3PL Warehousing and inventory management
One of the biggest burdens when running an online store is managing, storing, and keeping tabs on inventory. It is not only one of the most tedious tasks but also one of the most important. Here are some benefits of using third-party logistics for your inventory management and how it will benefit your business:
More time to focus on what really matters
By working with 3PL eLogistics providers, all responsibilities related to inventory and warehousing will be taken care of by them. Instead of managing your storage facilities, you can focus on other responsibilities necessary for your business's growth and success, such as strategy and business development.
Leaving it to the professionals
Using third-party logisticsproviders' technology and expertise when managing your inventory will improve your ability to track stock levels, monitor product turnover and pick up on low stock levels. 3PL inventory management will optimize your inventory level and reduce the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
Cost-effective
eCommerce logistics solutions eliminate the need for your business to invest in its own storage facilities, equipment, and technology, freeing up this capital for other investments. These aren’t the only expenses you will be saving, but also labor costs, as 3PL providers have their own staff to manage their warehouse operations.
Improved growth flexibility
third-party logistics providers offer flexible storage solutions, allowing businesses to scale their warehousing needs up or down as required. This can help businesses reduce their storage costs and only pay for the needed space rather than investing in permanent warehouse facilities.
This is where ehouse comes into the picture. From the moment you designate ehouse as your 3PL provider, all your inventory management and logistics needs will be met at the highest professional standards. Not only does ehouse take care of the facilities, equipment, technology, and staff that your eCommerce business requires, but the size and scale of your business will be considered every step of the way.
3PL Order fulfillment
Efficient order fulfillment is essential for eCommerce businesses to ensure their products arrive at their customer's doorstep and to their satisfaction - in one piece and on time. In many cases, such as when businesses are experiencing an overload of activity, understaffed, or simply not logistically prepped enough, order fulfillment is often not on par. Here is why 3PL order fulfillment might be the solution for your business:
All order logistics will be taken care of
3PL providers handle all orders by picking, packing, and shipping products to customers on your behalf. Not only does this save you time and energy to focus on other aspects of running a business, but it saves you resources that can be invested in other areas.
Improves streamlining of the fulfillment process
It is within a 3PL provider's professional expertise to handle the fulfillment process from beginning to end. Leaving it up to them can lead to faster and more accurate order fulfillment and, on the way, improving customer satisfaction.
Returns and customer service handling
Many 3PL providers include handling of returns and customer service management within their service. This is a big plus because although returns and customer service can be time-consuming and tedious, they must be resolved promptly and professionally.
Maintains a positive customer experience
By outsourcing the fulfillment process to a 3PL, you can ensure that your customers receive their orders promptly and accurately. This can help maintain a positive customer experience, improve your reviews, and build customer loyalty.
Overall, 3PL order fulfillment offers your store a range of benefits that will help it grow and succeed. By partnering with a 3PL like ehouse, you can focus on what you do best, while ehouse handles the logistics and ensures a seamless customer experience.
3PL Shipping services
The delegation of shipping is, first and foremost, a strategic decision for online businesses looking to improve how they run their business. Most elogistics providers offer shipping solutions, which include picking, packing, and labeling of products that have been ordered, as well as sending them off to their customers. Here are a few reasons to consider 3PL providers for your shipping needs:
Competitive Shipping Options
Many 3PL logistics providers have established relationships with cargo carriers, using their services frequently. These ties usually translate into competitive shipping rates, meaning that you will most likely get a better deal when done through them.
More accurate and efficient shipping
elogisics providers often have access to courier databases showing accurate real-time tracking and streamlined communication. This is a big plus when shipping during high season or sending to problematic locations.
Cost and time effective
By outsourcing shipping management, businesses can reduce costs associated with hiring in-house staff. Shipping services also allow businesses to delegate tasks and focus on the many other responsibilities that eCommerce businesses face.
When working with a 3PL provider such as ehouse, you will be confident that your shipping demands are in good hands. With ehouse’s logistics services, your customer’s order will be picked, packed, labeled, and arrive safely and timely.
eCommerce logistics plays a vital role in the success of eCommerce businesses. When insufficient, it may even cause irreversible damage to a business and its reputation. By partnering with a 3PL logistics provider, businesses will reap the fruits of professional expertise, have more free time and resources to focus on other core tasks, and will reduce operating costs. With ehouse, not only will you enjoy the benefits of having eCommerce experts manage the logistics of your business, but you will be able to sleep a lot better at night knowing your inventory, warehouse, shipping, and fulfillment is in good hands.
To find out more, get in touch with ehouse today to learn how you can improve the logistics of your online store and enhance your business’s growth.
